Callaghan sentenced to 40 years for rape

BAKERSVILLE – A Mitchell County jury convicted Michael James Callaghan Sept. 21 of felony statutory rape and felony statutory sex offense. At the time of the offense, the victim was 15 and Callaghan was 52.

Resident Superior Court Judge R. Gregory Horne sentenced Callaghan to prison for a minimum of 40 years and maximum of 58 years. If Callaghan is ever released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender for 30 years.

“It is important that we as a community speak with one voice in condemning those who would prey on the most vulnerable among us,” said District Attorney Seth Banks. “My office will not rest until predators like Michael James Callaghan are brought to justice. I would like to thank Assistant District Attorney Milton Fletcher for his hard work on this case. I would also like to thank the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office for their work in bringing justice to those who sexually abuse children.”